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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker asks sorrowful thoughts or spirits to leave and stay silent so peace can be found.
In plain terms
Go away, sad thoughts, so I can sleep.
What can you take from it?
Peace requires quieting sorrowful thoughts.

Where it applies

  • seeking rest
  • dealing with insomnia or grief

Putting it to work

  • practicing mindfulness before bed
  • managing anxiety

Questions to consider

  • Can thoughts be dismissed by command?
  • How do we find rest in grief?

Another view

Sorrow often does not leave so easily.

More from John (dramatist) Ford

  1. Love is the tyrant of the heart; it darkens Reason, confounds discretion; deaf to Counsel It runs a headlong course to desperate madness.

    Permalink to quote #10

  2. Tempt not the stars, young man, thou canst not play With the severity of fate.

    Permalink to quote #12

  3. Philosophers dwell in the moon.

    Permalink to quote #9

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